Meet Omar Ayub, grandson of ex-prez Ayub Khan, in race to be Pakistan's PM

Omar Ayub has been named as Imran Khan's PTI PM nominee.

Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf, the political party led by former prime minister Imran Khan, who is in jail, has nominated Omar Ayub as its candidate for the position of prime minister.

Who is Omar Ayub?

• Omar Ayub, the third generation from the family of Pakistan's president and Field Marshal Ayub Khan Ayub Khan, joined Pakistan Muslim League (Q) along with his father, Gohar Ayub Khan, a few months before the 2002 general elections.

• Omar made his debut in the country's National Assembly during the 2002 elections and later served in Shaukat Aziz's cabinet as the state minister for finance. He claimed credit for bringing significant projects, including those related to natural gas, electricity, and road infrastructure worth billions, to Haripur, Dawn News reported.

• Despite facing a defeat against PML-N's Sardar Mushtaq Khan in 2008, Omar Ayub returned to the assembly for a brief period in 2015 following an apex court-ordered re-election in his constituency. During a subsequent by-election, he refrained from contesting due to his late mother's illness.

In February 2018, Omar Ayub joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), aligning himself with Imran Khan.

• He successfully secured re-election to the National Assembly from Constituency NA-17 (Haripur) as a PTI candidate in the 2018 general elections. Subsequently, he was inducted into the federal cabinet of prime minister Imran Khan.

Both sides claim win

Independent candidates supported by the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan have secured 92 seats in last week's election, emerging as the largest group.

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Simultaneously, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has put forward Shehbaz Sharif, a former Prime Minister and Nawaz Sharif's brother, as their nominee. He is anticipated to assume the prominent position, seemingly endorsed by the influential military establishment, and is expected to lead a coalition government.

Omar Ayub, the grandson of Pakistan's ex-president Ayub Khan, has emerged as a significant contender in the race to become Pakistan's Prime Minister. Born into a prominent political family, Omar Ayub has garnered attention for his aspirations to lead the country.

Ayub Khan, his grandfather, was a notable figure in Pakistan's history, serving as the country's president from 1958 to 1969. He was known for his efforts to modernize Pakistan's economy and infrastructure during his tenure. Now, Omar Ayub seeks to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by contributing to the nation's progress through political leadership.

Omar Ayub's entry into politics was not a surprise to many, given his family's longstanding involvement in Pakistani politics. He has been active in various political roles, serving as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and holding ministerial positions in the government. His experience and familiarity with the workings of the political system have positioned him as a viable candidate for the Prime Minister's office.

One of Omar Ayub's key priorities is to address the economic challenges facing Pakistan. He has outlined plans to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and attract foreign investment to boost the country's economy. Additionally, he aims to tackle issues such as poverty alleviation and infrastructure development to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

In terms of foreign policy, Omar Ayub advocates for maintaining strong diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and the international community. He emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, he seeks to enhance Pakistan's image on the global stage and foster cooperation with other nations on issues of mutual interest.

Omar Ayub's leadership style is characterized by pragmatism and a commitment to serving the people of Pakistan. He has demonstrated an ability to work across party lines and collaborate with different stakeholders to achieve common goals. His inclusive approach to governance has garnered support from various segments of society.

However, Omar Ayub also faces challenges on his path to becoming Prime Minister. He must navigate the complexities of Pakistan's political landscape, which is often marked by rivalries and competing interests. Additionally, he must address concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability to win the trust of the Pakistani people.

As the grandson of a former president and a seasoned politician in his own right, Omar Ayub brings a unique perspective and vision to the table. Whether he ultimately ascends to the position of Prime Minister remains to be seen, but his candidacy underscores the enduring influence of political dynasties in Pakistani politics and the aspirations of individuals like him to lead their country forward.